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UV rays and safety

Last post 03-19-2008 11:55 AM by John Vallerga. 1 replies.
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  • 03-19-2008 7:40 AM

    UV rays and safety

    How many if any UV rays do astrounots absorb when they are in the space shutle or rockets Christian B.(FWMS)

  • 03-19-2008 11:55 AM In reply to

    • John Vallerga
    • Top 25 Contributor
    • Joined on 03-11-2008
    • UC Berkeley Space Sciences Lab
    • Posts 5

    Re: UV rays and safety

    Because UV rays react so strongly with most elements, they do not penetrate very far. In fact, none of the UV rays can get to the astronaut'sbody surface because of his spacesuit and helmet.  The same is true on the Earths surface, you can avoid sunburn if you wear clothes and a good hat, though  scattered UV light that bounces off the ground can also cause a burn (especially on sunny days with snow on the ground.).  Astronauts are more worried about  xrays and charged particles in space that can penetrate their suits.

     

    John Vallerga

     

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